A long-lasting refuse collectors’ strike leaves several towns in Scotland under heaps of rubbish. In big cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen, the garbage bags and containers are overflowing, as can be seen in the photos.
The local umbrella organization Cosla, which negotiates for the employers’ side, submitted a new offer to the unions that called for the strikes on Monday. As the “Zeit” reports, the unions – as they have done several times before – have refused. The staff will continue the strike.
The garbage problem caused by the strikes has been with Scotland for weeks now. The reason for this is the sharp increase in the cost of living in Great Britain. While the inflation rate has now risen to more than ten percent and everyday life is becoming more and more expensive, wages are stagnating. In several sectors, employees have therefore gone on the barricades this summer. Work stoppages on the railways virtually paralyzed Britain.
On August 18, the garbage collectors began their strike. At that time, according to the daily newspaper “The Herald”, the union had demanded a wage increase of 3.5 percent. About 25 of the 32 local authorities are now affected. During the Edinburgh Fringe cultural festival, which has attracted many visitors in recent weeks, many complained about the garbage and stench in the Scottish capital.
Experts also fear the spread of bacteria. The national health agency has called on communities to decontaminate areas with overflowing bins. In the coming week, the municipal strikes could spread to schools and daycare centers if no agreement has been reached beforehand.
Sources: “Die Zeit”, “The Herald” (I), “The Herald” (II)
